 |
Italy
The Vatican goes viral
Article published on the 2009-01-23 Latest update 2009-01-24 16:27 TU
The Pope at the Vatican, 23 January.
(Photo: Reuters)
The Vatican launched its own YouTube channel on Friday in a move to help the Pope reach-out via the internet and spread the message of the Catholic church online.
The Pope’s YouTube channel launched on Friday, already features speeches from the 265th Bishop of Rome, as well as clips from his state visits.
Although critical of new media in the past, Pope Benedict XVI believes YouTube could help him engage with people wherever they are.
“It’s true that not all of humanity is found on YouTube, but millions of people meet on YouTube,” said Monsignor Claudio Maria Celli, from the Vatican’s communications office.
It seems the move is also an attempt by the Vatican to help it control its own image.
“It’s undeniable that certain images are already circulating,” said Celli.
YouTube, owned by Google, already featured channels from US President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and many, millions more.
The Vatican’s use of YouTube supplements its comprehensive media portfolio, including Vatican radio, Vatican TV and the Vatican website.
